Monthly Archives: August 2017

Is it possible to have a Flood and drought in the same year? Yes. Absolutely. As we know, the lack of rain in the boundary has created drought like conditions. That said, drought restrictions from the province have not yet been put in place for this area. The Kettle, the West Kettle and the Granby rivers, however, are all on the provincial watch list which means that they are being closely monitored and water restrictions could still be enforced this fall.

A major concern that the province has is fish kills and the long-term sustainability of fish populations. Rainbow trout have been studied over multiple years and the fishery has deteriorated. Findings conclude that fewer and smaller rainbow trout are found throughout boundary rivers. Causes include decreased habitat for the fish, decreases in flow, increases in water temperatures, and overfishing. As a result of fish population studies, more stringent fishing regulations were put in place in 2015 for rainbow trout. In summary: fishing in the Kettle and West Kettle is catch and release only, no fishing from July 25 and August 25 and a live bait ban from Apr. 1 – Oct. 31. In the Granby upstream of Burrell Creek, the bait ban is from Apr. 1-Oct. 31 with a daily limit of 1 trout. Downstream of Burrell Creek, catch and release only and a bait ban from July 1 – Oct. 31. These new regulations are designed to ensure future generations are afforded the same recreational opportunities that we enjoy and appreciate today.

Shawn Lockhart releasing rainbow back to the river (Credit Shawn Lockhart).

Click Fishing Regulations to obtain the most up to date regulations for the boundary region. Alternatively a hard copy can be obtained at Service BC.

– Jessica Mace is the coordinator of the Kettle River Watershed Management Plan for the RDKB, and is working with the Kettle River Watershed Authority to implement recommendations from the plan. Email plan@kettleriver.ca